Statement by the Spokesperson on the bomb attack targeting an electoral rally in Peshawar, Pakistan

Bruxelles, 11/07/2018 - 15:52, UNIQUE ID: 180711_23

Statements by the Spokesperson

Yesterday, in Peshawar, a suicide attack carried out at an electoral campaign event claimed the life of Awami National Party leader Haroon Bilour and tens of others, and injured many more. Our thoughts go to the victims and their families and we express our condolences to them, to the people of Pakistan and to the Pakistani authorities. We understand that an investigation has been launched in order to bring those responsible swiftly to justice.

As Pakistan prepares for general elections on 25 July 2018, it is of utmost importance that both political contestants and citizens are able to exercise their constitutional rights to participate in the electoral process without intimidation or fear for their security. The European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission to Pakistan in order to assess the process and conduct of the elections.